Scope

"Agriculture in developing countries must undergo a significant transformation in order to meet the
related challenges of achieving food security and responding to climate change. Projections based on
population growth and food consumption patterns indicate that agricultural production will need to
increase by at least 70 percent to meet demands by 2050. Most estimates also indicate that climate
change is likely to reduce agricultural productivity, production stability and incomes in some areas that
already have high levels of food insecurity. Developing climate‐smart agriculture1 is thus crucial to
achieving future food security and climate change goals. This paper examines some of the key technical,
institutional, policy and financial responses required to achieve this transformation. Building on case
studies from the field, the paper outlines a range of practices, approaches and tools aimed at increasing
the resilience and productivity of agricultural production systems, while also reducing and removing
emissions. The second part of the paper surveys institutional and policy options available to promote the
transition to climate‐smart agriculture at the smallholder level. Finally, the paper considers current
financing gaps and makes innovative suggestions regarding the combined use of different sources,
financing mechanisms and delivery systems."